Bill O'Brien has developed a reputation as the Big Ten's risk-taker with his fourth-down aggressiveness, something his players seem to revel in as well.

"It is an attitude kind of play," fullback Mike Zordich said after the win over Northwestern. "We want touchdowns. That is what this offense is about. If we need to go for it, if we are in the right field position, that is what we are going to do. We love it because it gets your mind right."

Penn State ranks second in the FBS in fourth-down attempts (20) and conversions (13) after leading the nation in both categories before the bye week. O'Brien says he approaches fourth down situationally, meaning he isn't going to be reckless (fourth-and-15 from his own 20, for instance).

But the coach has proven his willingness to be aggressive, particularly in the fourth quarter against Northwestern. Surely part of that is O'Brien's style; another part comes from circumstance. Two in particular.

NET PUNTING: Penn State ranks last in the nation, averaging 30.29 yards per attempt.

FIELD GOALS: Penn State kicker Sam Ficken is 3-for-9, a 33-percent conversion rate that is the nation's lowest among FBS kickers.

Were Penn State more reliable in these two categories, O'Brien might not feel compelled to play for four downs as often. Of course, since his team is converting above 60 percent, why not continue?

It's a style that will appear out of place at Iowa, where previous Penn State teams played field-position football against Kirk Ferentz's physical squads. It also might come back to haunt the Lions, particularly on special teams.

Iowa has the nation's No. 2 kicker in Mike Meyer, who has made 14 of 15 field-goal attempts. Ferentz likely will be willing to play for three points.